“If we were to move faster, then the whole of Europe’s marketplace would be in much better shape,” Ek said at a POLITICO Playbook Cocktail, adding that the pace of technological change was only growing more swift. “I think the right things are being said and I believe the right things are being done, but we have to move faster.”

The EU should spend less energy crafting policies and regulations, he said, praising voluntary forums instead. He did, however, praise Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager’s approach to the tech industry.

“We want there to be a fair marketplace and we want there to be more people to compete,” he said. “We think that will bring more innovation. She seems to be all for that.”